RESEARCH

We are determined to continue the philosophy of our sister company, Semillas Papalotla, and offer our customers a broad array of forage seeds to choose from for the diverse climates and soil conditions that exist in our markets. The varieties we commercialize are the product of research carried out by Semillas Papalotla in its facilities at CIPAT in Mexico. Several years of research and analyses are required before a variety can be released for commercialization. Research aims to prove the value of a variety in many different areas in terms of adaptability and persistence under different climate (precipitation, temperature) and soil conditions, prevalence of diseases and pests, and grazing habits.

Agreements with different universities, such as Ubon Ratchathani University in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, and the University of Florida, USA, at its Ona Research Station, allow us to further validate and develop these varieties for our markets. We have successfully launched varieties for different soil conditions such as high, medium, and low fertility, acid or alkaline, sandy, clay, heavy, and waterlogged; varieties that are drought tolerant and suitable for areas with low annual precipitation; varieties resistant to pests and diseases; and others with high levels of protein and digestibility that produce large amounts of dry and green matter.

For example, at Ubon Ratchathani University, forage research currently focuses on:

1. Forage production. Studies are being conducted on the effects of cutting intervals, nitrogen fertilization, and seed sowing rate and plant density on the forage production and quality of Tanzania and Mombasa guinea grasses and Brachiaria hybrids cv. Mulato II and Cayman.

2. Seed studies. Field trials are being conducted on the effect of timing and application of different fertilizers on seed yields of Brachiaria hybrids Mulato II and Cayman. A long-term field trial is also studying the effects of spacing and plant age on the seed production of Mombasa guinea.

Ongoing seed storage trials have shown that the seed of most forage grasses stored under normal conditions at room temperature die within 1 year of storage. However, storing the same seeds under controlled cool and low humidity conditions prolongs seed germination. Pelleting and/or acid scarification does not alter this result.

3. Future commercial varieties. New hybrids are being tested to select new commercial varieties that are resistant to drought, suitable for erosion control systems, and planting on roadsides.

PRODUCTION

Our main seed production areas are located in northeastern Thailand, where we directly subcontract production with more than 1000 small-scale producers distributed in several villages, offering them technical assistance to ensure the production of high-quality seed. We also sell seed produced by Semillas Papalotla in Mexico and Brazil. In addition, joint trials are currently being carried out with Efecto Soluciones, to produce Crescent Sunn – Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria Juncea) in Spain.